THE Friends of Okehampton Hospital are appealing for volunteers to join their committee following a successful year.

The organisation recently held its annual meeting where it was announced in the treasurer's report that the group has bought more than £5,000 worth of equipment for the hospital in the past year.

The money was raised through the annual street collection, quiz nights, fundraisers and support from the Waitrose Community Matters scheme.

Despite the success, the friends committee is looking for more members and to boost the organisation's overall membership. Committee members only meet three or four times a year, but the group has found it difficult to find new recruits.

Chairman Martin Perry said: 'Whenever we shake a tin or appeal for support, the residents of Okehampton and the surrounding villages are swift to respond, but to get a new committee member to simply attend three or four meetings a year is like drawing teeth.

'We try to maintain a trolley service and do a little gardening at the hospital, but with a committee of only eight it is a case of constantly calling on the same people to help.

'Membership is also a priority and we hope just a few more people will come forward and pay a subscription that is still only 20 pence a week.

'We have a wonderful hospital with the most dedicated staff, surely they deserve a little support.'

Friends of Okehampton Community Hospital carries out vital fundraising work to help support the hospital in continuing to provide and improve its wide range of services. The group also gets actively involved in the hospital, and has restarted the ward trolley service.

At the meeting, the chairman's report was also read out, and Mr Perry, secretary Gill Atkins and treasurer Helena Williams were all re-elected.

The friends will again have a stand at Okehampton Show in August. Following the poor weather at last year's show, the group is planning a sturdier stand this year, shared with other hospital services.

If you would like to become a member of the Friends of Okehampton Hospital, or you would like more information, call Martin Perry on 01409 221376.